How we download videos on Firefox browser? Firefox allow users to download videos with its Page Info feature. But most streaming videos cannot be downloaded that easily as popular websites often encrypt the video source link to prevent downloading. In this case, we need to utilize third-party download tools, such as Firefox add-ons, aka extensions.
This guide will explore some of the best video downloader add-ons for Firefox. So you can download videos from sites like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc. for free and conveniently, without software.
Download from YouTube, Dailymotion, Instagram, VK
While the popular online video downloader savefrom.net has been discontinued in the U.S. since 2020, its browser extension “SaveFrom.net Helper” still works and the Firefox version allows you to download YouTube videos.
This video downloader add-on integrates into the website design by adding a download button on the video page. On YouTube, for example, the button appears below the video player.
It can save YouTube videos up to 720p and extract the M4A audio file, no separate software needed. It’s a handy YouTube video downloader if you don’t require high definition.
Download from YouTube, X, Twitch, CNN and many video-sharing sites
The Firefox version of Video DownloadHelper is more powerful than Chrome version because it supports downloading from YouTube. As one of the most reputable video downloader extensions, VDH lets users capture videos from various popular and obscure sites and convert to various formats.
However, some operations, such as high-definition download and video conversion, require users to install its companion app (CoApp) to perform. And sometimes a QR code is written in the corner of the video, and you need to pay $28.5 for Firefox Premium license to get rid of watermark.
Download from YouTube
Easy YouTube Video Downloader Express by Dishita enjoys a good reputation in Firefox for years. It provides stable support for downloading videos from YouTube. But it comes at a price, you need to pay a pro license fee to get 720p and 1080p as well as MP3 downloads. If you are looking for a fast and reliable YouTube downloader for Firefox, it’s a worthy investment.
Download from YouTube, Instagram
UDL Helper is a dedicated YouTube downloader for Firefox. It allows you to download YouTube videos to MP4 in 1080p or lower. If you need 4K resolution, it will ask you to install UDL client software. Also, downloading videos in 720p and above can take hours to convert and the conversion may cause decrease in browser speed.
Download from YouTube
This is another dedicated YouTube video downloader extension, available for Firefox, Chrome and other browsers. It allows you to choose video quality from 360p to 1080p, and you can scan the QR code generated for each download option to save the video to your mobile. However, when you download a long YouTube video, like 30 mins, Addoncrop will only offer 360p low quality option due to length and size limits. To bypass the limits and get 4K support, users can install an extra toolkit called Flixmate, a software for Windows only.
You can’t find Addoncrop YouTube Downloader at https://addons.mozilla.org/ like other options due to licensing restrictions. To install it, visit Addoncrop.com and follow instructions there.
HLS Downloader offered by puemos is designed to capture HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) protocol videos from the various websites, such as Twitch VODs, JW Player, Wistia and Brightcove videos. It allows you to choose the highest possible quality and save the video to your computer quickly.
Download videos from YouTube, Dailymotion, Threads, etc.
Ant Video Downloader used to be one of the best video downloaders for Firefox before it was discontinued. While it offers direct video downloads in the browser, it may require you to install its native software for high quality downloads and to merge video segments. Although it hasn't been updated in years, I found that you can still use it to download videos from certain sites.
Browser extensions in Firefox is not a very reliable way to download videos. Here are some reasons why:
Quality restriction - High resolution formats require either native software or extra cost
Limited website support - Browser extensions may not be able to detect the videos you want from some sites with special protocols and encryption, such as Vimeo.
Lack of maintenance - Add-ons need active updates to keep up with changes in the website and Firefox license, or downloads can fail or result in corrupted files.
Slow down your browser speed - Some video downloaders can slow down your Firefox performance significantly. With too many add-ons tested in Firefox, my computer even crashed once and I had to reboot.
Want to get rid of tricky add-ons and download videos from Firefox without any hassle? Your best bet is to use a powerful and safe desktop video downloader, e.g. Cisdem Video Converter.
Supporting more websites than all add-ons combined, Cisdem Video Converter can download almost any video with the URL. It can rip videos in full quality (up to 4K/8K) and convert to any format with built-in converter, no plug-in required.
Below is a simple guide on how to use it, and users can try it for free before purchasing.
1. Download and install Cisdem Video Converter.
Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7 Free Download macOS 10.13 or later
2. Visit the web page that contains the video you want to download, and copy the complete URL from the address bar.
3. Launch the downloader, click the third tab, then paste the video URL into the provided box. Press the Enter key or click the “+” button to parse out the link.
4. When the video is added, the downloader defaults to the highest quality available. Users can also select a download option from the "Format" drop-down menu.
5. Specify a folder to store downloaded files, and click the arrow down button to start downloading videos to computer.
1. Add URLs in batch. Click the button at lower left corner or go to "File > input URLs" (on Mac) to add multiple URLs. So you can bulk add videos and download them with one click.
2. Convert feature. Drag the downloaded video file to the first tab of Cisdem, and convert to over 300 video & audio formats and preset profiles.
Some videos can be downloaded using Firefox’s built-in tools. Steps:
The video option may be grayed out and display a blob link, which means you need a third-party tool to download it.
The tools outlined above are generally safe. Avoid extensions that redirect you to external websites that can expose you to malicious ads and viruses. For maximum security, use a standalone professional video downloader software like Cisdem Video Converter.
There are Firefox add-ons developed for Android, visit addons.mozilla.org/android on your phone and search for workable video downloaders there.
The Firefox app for iPhone and iPad does not have an extension feature due to Apple restrictions. iOS users can download videos on computer first and transfer to mobile device via iTunes or cloud services.
Read More: 10 Best Video Downloaders for Chrome | How to Download Videos from Safari
Emily is a girl who loves to review various multimedia software. She enjoys exploring cutting edge technology and writing how-to guides. Hopefully her articles will help you solve your audio, video, DVD and Blu-ray issues.